Mapping DNA viruses in the human body from large-scale sequencing to single cells
The Human DNA virome: from petabase scale to single-cell resolution
Using massive DNA sequencing datasets and single-cell methods, researchers will map which DNA viruses live in different human tissues and which human cells they infect.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11195568 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project combines enormous amounts of existing DNA sequencing data with new single-cell laboratory tests to find DNA viruses hiding in human tissues. Researchers will analyze unmapped sequencing reads from hundreds of thousands of people to quantify latent viral DNA in blood and tissues and link those signals to each person’s genetic and health information. They will also use single-cell multi-omics to pinpoint which specific cell types carry viral DNA and to profile how infected cells behave at the molecular level. The goal is to create a detailed atlas of the human DNA virome and its interactions with our cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people willing to share genetic and health data or donate blood or tissue samples, especially those with conditions linked to viral infections or cancer.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate changes to their treatment or a direct clinical benefit are unlikely to benefit directly, because this is foundational research that informs future tests and therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal hidden viral reservoirs and cellular targets that lead to better diagnostics, monitoring, and new antiviral or immune-based therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have detected viral DNA in human samples and used single-cell methods to map infected cells, but applying petabase-scale sequencing together with single-cell multi-omics at this scale is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lareau, Caleb Andrew — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Lareau, Caleb Andrew
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.